Vice presidential debate '08 student perspectives

News Stories & Tip Sheets:

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Pooja Agarwal Researcher and master's/doctoral candidate in experimental and cognitive psychology Oct. 1, 2008 -- Agarwal "I understand why the economy and foreign affairs are the lead topics, but I would like to hear more about what each candidate would fund or cut in education." "I was at Washington University for the 2004 debate but missed the opportunity to volunteer," says Pooja K. Agarwal, a graduate student majoring in experimental and cognitive psychology. "The excitement on campus had an impact on my interest in the campaign. Last time I watched, but this time I really wanted to be involved." Hometown: Carbondale, IL/Chesterfield, MO

Mark Dudley Founder of the Political Science Student Association Sept. 30, 2008 -- Dudley "Never before in the history of presidential elections have we seen the importance of the student vote sought after on so many levels. Students are deeply concerned about what world we will enter when we graduate, and we need to know what the candidates' plans are concerning these pressing national issues." Mark Dudley remembers watching the first presidential debate held at Washington University in 1992 on television—he was 5 years old. Today, the 21-year-old is a political science major at Washington University and a volunteer giving tours of the debate site and assisting members of the media on campus for the event. Hometown: St. Louis, MO

Suzanne Pritzker Doctoral candidate in social work who studies adolescent volunteerism Sept. 30, 2008 -- Pritzker "The campaigns are reaching out to youth and minority communities like never before. Youth are engaged, and I think they'll make a difference." Suzanne Pritzker has been volunteering to work on political campaigns and social action activities since her high school years in Alexandria, Va. Her dedication to civic involvement continues to grow in both her personal life and academic career. Hometown: Alexandria, VA

Carson Emmons Smith Ervin Scholar and health care advocate Sept. 30, 2008 -- Smith "It's a rare opportunity to be involved with something that can impact the world for our entire lifetime." Carson Smith is known for taking on world-changing and life-changing opportunities. In fact, she was named to the Toyota Corporation "100 Students Most Likely to Change the World" list in 2005, the same year she graduated valedictorian from her Paducah, Ky., high school. Now a senior at Washington University, Smith seized the opportunity to volunteer to work on the Vice Presidential Debate because of its global importance. Hometown: Paducah, KY

Benjamin Guthorn President of the College Democrats Sept. 29, 2008 -- Guthorn "The era of tabloid candidacy must end so that real issues can be addressed." Benjamin Guthorn knows what it takes to motivate young voters to take political action. As the president of the College Democrats, he has led student efforts in support of both federal and state legislative issues as well as organized panels and fundraising activities to back Democratic campaigns. Hometown: Baltimore, MD

Gregory Allen Editor-in-chief of the Washington University Political Review Sept. 29, 2008 -- Allen "For my part as editor-in-chief of the Washington University Political Review, I've noticed an incredible surge in student political interest." Gregory Allen considers himself a political junkie. And what better place for the 20-year-old junior to be than on a university campus that is hosting a vice presidential debate. Hometown: Olathe, KS

Sam Guzik Editor-in-chief of Student Life Sept. 25, 2008 -- Guzik "In an election cycle where students will influence the outcome unlike any election in recent memory, it is exciting to be at the interface between national politics and the student body." As editor-in-chief of Student Life, Washington University's independent newspaper, Sam Guzik, supervises a senior staff of 15, coordinates recruitment, retention and training for a staff of approximately 200, works with student leaders and administrators, and oversees production of the newspaper, which is published three times a week with a circulation of 7,000. Hometown: Roslyn, NY

Bill Restemayer Freshman representative to the College Council Sept. 24, 2008 -- Restemayer "Politics are coming to real life on our campus. There's excitement in the air, and it's all students are talking about - arguing back and forth from both sides. This debate will let me see firsthand if public service is my life's calling." Restemayer is a young man with a mission. He's outgoing and friendly, greeting everyone with a "Hi, I'm Bill from North Dakota," as he's aware there aren't many North Dakotans on the WUSTL campus. "I like to think of myself as an ambassador for my state," he says. He indicates he might have his sights set someday on the governor's mansion in Bismarck, N.D. Hometown: Fargo, ND

Jordan Aibel Speaker of the Student Union Senate and coordinator of voter registration Sept. 24, 2008 -- Aibel "I hope to help the student body find its voice not just on or before the Vice Presidential Debate, but most importantly on Election Day. Even more so than dialogue and debate, I believe that the single best way to use one's voice in our democracy is at the polls." Energizing voters through the campus' nonpartisan Gephardt Institute for Public Service, Aibel reports that, to date, more than 1,400 students—either first-time voters or those with a change of address—have registered. "This number shows that students are very excited to participate in the election," he says. Hometown: South Miami, FL

Charis Fischer President of the College Republicans Sept. 23, 2008 -- Fischer "After several years of being involved with the College Republicans and campaigning at the grassroots level, it's exciting to have the national stage come to us." A lifelong Republican, Charis Fischer has taken a brief hiatus from her duties as a tour guide for the student admissions committee and as a volunteer at a local juvenile detention center to campaign for Sen. John McCain. Hometown: Short Hills, NJ

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